(SG-Fan, thank you. Spuds13, glad you liked the characters and Teal'c's part. Thanks.)

Part 4, "Illness"

:.:.:February 1987:.:.:
:.:.: (A Few Days Later) :.:.:

"Be steady," Jorda instructed. "Aim...fire."

Several targets were hit by zatnikatels.

Jorda smiled. "Very good, now..." She stopped at the sound of the chaapa'ai. "Keep practicing." Being nearest, she knew she had to check it out. Her symbiote, Mian, took control as they approached.

These recruits are learning quickly, Mian thought.

Most suffered because of the Goa'uld, Jorda thought. I understand their need for revenge.

Together they saw it was Cordesh who had come through. Mian grinned, having not seen him in so long. "Cordesh, it is good to see you again. Do you bring news from the Tok'ra?"

Cordesh approached. "I am not on Tok'ra business. I have come to offer assistance in your...program."

Does he look annoyed? Jorda questioned, though her symbiote was too suprised to notice.

It is probably nothing. "That is good news. I admit I did not expect this from you, Cordesh. You have always agreed strongly with the council."

"As have Lantash and Norak, but they joined." He sounded annoyed.

"Lantash's mate is the one leading us, and Norak's host did not want to be the only Kiron not part of this." Mian smiled. "Please, do not take offense to my words. I was simply surprised. Jolinar will be pleased. She will return."

Cordesh nodded. "You do not mind taking orders from Jolinar?"

Mian normally outranked Jolinar, but the question was surprising. "Her idea. Her mission. This..." Mian shook her head lightly. "...is not a mission I would want responsibility for."

"In truth, nor would I."

Mian gave Jorda control. "We were just training some of the newest recruits. Would you like to meet them?"

Cordesh smiled. "Of course." He followed Jorda down a trail.

"They tend to be a little more confortable when hosts are in control."

Nelay'en was quickly given control. "I hope that rule does not stand while we are on mission."

"No, but as mentioned, these recruits are new. Some have lost to the Goa'uld very recently." Jorda was quiet for a moment, and they reached the recruits who were training as she left them. "Everyone, this is Nelay'en and Cordesh. Nelay'en, this is part of our army."

Nelay'en and Cordesh were suprised to find a crowd of about ten people. They had expected only a couple. "How long has Jolinar been recruiting?"

"Five months."

"How many do we have so far...in both human and Tok'ra?"

"Including you we now have fifty-eight Tok'ra. I doubt we will get any more than that. As for humans there are a hundred and thirty-two."

"Impressive. I did not realize so many Tok'ra were part of this."

"Many seem to agree with Jolinar. She was just the loudest in speaking up." Jorda smiled. "No one was more surprised than she was. We have already passed what she hoped to get." Jorda glanced back when she heard the chaapa'ai again. "Speaking of...that is probably her." She hurried back up the hill.

Nelay'en looked over the humans, who were for the most part ignoring him and practicing firing the zatnikatels. He noticed the targets were not disappearing, despite being hit several times. The zatnikatels must have been tampered with. All show and no power. It was good for practice, especially so you wouldn't have to keep replacing targets.

Weak, Cordesh thought as he watched the humans. They are all weak.

They should be serving us, Nelay'en thought.

Rosha came down the hill with Jorda. "Nelay'en, Jorda says you want to help us."

Nelay'en caught the surprise in her voice. "The council was surprised as well." He did not bother turning to her. "However, if you succeed, I would regret not taking part in it." He illy remembered Apophis telling him that he had learn how to be humble again. "So, I am at your service."

Rosha smiled. Quietly she and Jolinar thought how Cordesh and Nelay'en could best help. "You are good in combat. Would you want to train people how to fight hand to hand combat?"

Nelay'en smiled. "That sounds good."

"Great. You'll be working with Pekon and Martouf."

Nelay'en's smile disappeared. Damn! Cordesh took control quickly. "That will be...good. Where can I find them?"

:.:.:x:.:.:x:.:.:x:.:.:

Cordesh was a bit surprised to learn that Martouf/Lantash and Pekon/Norak were underground. He ringed down and started wandering around familar blue tunnels. The setup was different than the norm. Various unblended humans directed him the way to go. Cordesh found himself entering a large training room with many various spars taking place. The walls were a silvery blue, indicating they were flat without sharp edges. The whole floor was lined with a material much softer than crystal.

Various groups seemed to be at different levels of fighting. One group seemed to be going over the basics. A human Cordesh never saw before, and so probably unblended, seemed to be in charge. Another group seemed to be sparring with Pekon or Norak's instruction. At this distance, Cordesh could not tell who was in charge. Martouf/Lantash were part of a group that had mock staff weapons. Overall, most humans were practicing without Tok'ra aid.

Cordesh slowly approached Lantash's group. Not being polite enough to wait, Cordesh called out Lantash's name though the symbiote was for the most part, in the middle of a spar. He watched the Tok'ra's eyes flash in irritation as he signaled for a break. The human nodded to the gesture. Two of the more advanced students started sparring as Lantash left the group.

"Cordesh," Lantash stated, still irritated. It was common sense and polite to wait for a spar to end before calling out to a participant.

"I came to offer my help, if you do not want it then I will ask Jolinar for a new assignment."

Lantash raised Martouf's eyebrows, but saw no reason to question Cordesh's offer. "Some of the advanced groups need more guidance. We have recruited some excellent warriors, who have done a great job at teaching other humans how to fight, and have taught each other a great deal. However, many of them wish to be more challenged."

"I am surprised there are not more Tok'ra here for this."

"Primary objection is recruitment. If this is to work, these humans need to learn a great deal in a realitive short period of time. So it is best to recruit those who are interested as soon as we can." Lantash placed the wooden staff into Cordesh's hand. "Start with them. It would do them well to spar against two new people."

Cordesh frowned. "Two?"

Lantash's look was a mixture of surprise and smug. "You and your host. Perhaps I assume wrong, but I know Martouf and I do not have the exact same fighting technique."

How in the uk'na could you forget me! Nelay'en screamed.

Cordesh winced to the reactions of both. "Of course. Your wording-"

Give me control! Nelay'en demanded.

I am in the middle of a conversation. Be polite!

Give me control now!

Cordesh sighed, especially when he noticed that Lantash was still frowning at him. He nodded his head as Nelay'en grabbed for control. Cordesh found himself a bit fearful of what his host might say. Nelay'en gave a calm appearance, however, even though he was still internally scolding his symbiote. "Cordesh's mind is still a bit distracted with all the recent news." He lifted the staff up slightly. "I will take over training for now, so he may settle himself."

Lantash looked to him for a few seconds, then nodded. "Of course," Martouf replied. "You have only recently call back from your mission." He turned to the group. "This is Nelay'en, host to Cordesh. For now he will be training you." He waited for signs of acceptance before moving to find another group to train.

Did he forget his own host? Lantash asked in concern.

The way you worded it was a little confusing, Martouf replied. Had we not been blended, I might not have known what you meant either.

:.:.:May 1987:.:.:

:.:.: (Three Months Later) :.:.:

Cordesh, Nelay'en called out to his sleeping host. Cordesh. Cordesh!

I am asleep.

If you were sleeping you wouldn't be able to tell me you were sleeping.

What do you want?

I feel weird.

Cordesh scanned his host for any illness or injury. You are healthy. Now let me return to slee-

I do not mean that.

Cordesh sighed. Then what do you mean?

I feel...I feel bad. We worked with the Tok'ra for years, and now we think we are better than them. We are taking orders from Apophis. Cordesh...have we been corrupted?

If I was corrupted, I would know about it. The only difference is we learned the truth. We think we are better than them because we are better than them.

I feel guilty though.

That is because you are a good person. Do not worry, Nelay'en. Remember how we felt these past months? That is how we should feel. Concentrate on that. Once this is over, you will not be worrying about the Tok'ra.

You promise?

I promise. Cordesh sat up. Well, now that we are awake, we might as well start our day. Cordesh got dressed and went down to the messhall. Since many of the recruits were farmers, hunters, and gatherers, food was not a problem. He set various plants on his plate. Afterwards he looked over the different tables to find one to sit at. He saw the four Kiron, Martouf, Tur, Jorda, and Pekon, sitting at one table. Cordesh inwardly groaned when he realized that table was one of the few with a space open.

Cordesh approached them. Damn inbreeds.

Inbreeds? Nelay'en questioned. If you are in this type of mood, you might want to give me control. His wish was granted, and he smiled as he sat down. "Hello."

A fairly small population sustaining itself for several generations...I am sure they are all related one way or another. Cordesh replied. Look at them and tell me they are not related. They make me sick!

Nelay'en made a nervous laugh, which caused curious glances from the Kirons. "Cordesh is not in the best mood," he said. He seriously hoped Cordesh didn't decide to take control and voice his opinions to the group.

Martouf frowned. "That seems to be the case lately. Is there anything he wishes to discuss?"

Nelay'en laughed and was pleased to hear Cordesh doing the same. "No...thank you." He decided to change the subject. "I am surprised Rosha is not here."

"Always working," Martouf replied, frowning slightly. "I hardly see her now."

"She took on a resposibilty that has become larger than was anticipated," Jorda said, looking to Martouf. "Once we have won, you will have plenty of time with her and Jolinar."

Martouf did not look any happier with her words. Jorda was right...if they won. He glanced to Nelay'en. "To answer your question, she is attempting to gain ships for the battle."

"That is quite a goal."

"Not just a goal anymore." Tur was grinning. "A nice group of ships were found. They're not Goa'uld, but since this is battle not infiltration, it doesn't matter. Between abandoned technology and what we can buy, without the normal limit we have, it is not as difficult." He finished his breakfast. "Anyone else working today on actual staff weapon training?"

"No," Martouf replied, "but I'll be next to you with the actual zatikatel training."

"I'll see you then." Taking his plate, Tur left the table.

Everyone else ate quietly. A few minutes later Martouf also left. Nelay'en looked to the remaining two. "How do you think training is going?"

"Very well," Jorda responded. "It is rather interesting to watch the unblended humans learn. It reminds me of when I was going through the same thing."

Nelay'en nodded. "You did, right." He had forgotten that she, Tur, and Pekon came to the Tok'ra as potential hosts. We have been forgetting details like this in the past few months.

Jorda nodded lightly. "Lantash usually trained us," she reminded.

"It was rather strange to be trained by someone who's host is someone I thought of as a child," Pekon said, proving he was listening to the conversation. He gave a small smile. "Martouf suddenly knew a lot more than I did. Even he would always beat me in spars." He took a drink. "It is interesting...you never realize how little you know until you are blended. Suddenly everything seems so much smaller."

Nelay'en forked a piece of fruit. "Who wins in spars now that you are blended as well?"

Pekon laughed. "Martouf."

Nelay'en found himself thankful he was blended with Cordesh. Pekon's symbiote, Norak, was young for a Tok'ra. Older symbiotes tended to be more skilled, and that often reflected in the hosts. Cordesh was not the oldest though. That honor belonged to Selmak, who had been the oldest for a few decades now. He wondered how much more her host, Saroosh, knew than he did.

Am I not good enough? Cordesh thought jealously.

I was just wondering.

Well, stop it. You cannot get a new symbiote. I, however, can get a new host.

That scared Nelay'en. That would be cruel.

Then don't think about other symbiotes like that.

Sorry! Nelay'en thought quickly, then sighed. I am sorry. We're better than both of them anyway...what are they doing?

Cordesh took control to see what Nelay'en was referring to. He noticed Jorda and Pekon seemed to be...gazing...at each other. I don't know. He picked up his plate, though he hadn't finished. He quickly did as he walked to put the dirty dish down. What is our assignment today?

Beginners training.

Boring.

:.:.:x:.:.:x:.:.:x:.:.:

As the days passed, Nelay'en began to feel worse about the actions he and Cordesh were taking. It was making him ill.

"Are you well?" Jorda asked when noticing he looked paler.

I heard he slipped in the training room, Mian thought. Something is distracting them.

"We are well," Nelay'en insisted.

"Would-"

"We wish to be alone," Nelay'en snapped. He grimaced when he saw the look of hurt on Jorda. He felt worse when Mian took over.

Mian looked to him for a few seconds. "Very well." She started walking away.

"Mian, Jorda...I am sorry." He closed his eyes as his symbiote told him he didn't need to be sorry. "It has been stressful. We do not wish to be a burden to anyone."

"The Tok'ra have always helped each other."

"Cordesh and I would like time to work this out on our own."

"I understand."

Nelay'en smiled and continued on his way. It did not help that they were going to speak with Apophis. He slipped control to Cordesh when they arrived at their quarters. Cordesh looked down the wall to make sure no one was there, taking out the communications device as he did.

Apophis responded a few minutes later. "Do you have news?"

"You are taking longer to respond," Cordesh said in anger.

"You do not always contact me at a convenient time."

"What are you doing to stop this attack?"

"This is why you contacted me?" Apophis sounded annoyed.

"The army grows stronger, yet it appears you are not working to stop it."

"As long as you keep me informed the army will not be a threat. Trust me. I know how to get us what we both want. What news do you have?"

We can't do this, Nelay'en thought.

There is no other way. Cordesh thought. He looked to the ball. "Jolinar has aquired Toask ships. They are quite powerful."

"All ships not built by the Goa'uld have flaws. Their flaw is in their shields. Find the frequncies of the shields and send them to me."

Nelay'en was scared. That would get people killed!

"Very well," Cordesh responded. "What have you done about my request."

"I still need time."

Cordesh glared. "So much for being a god." He shut the transmission.

I feel sick.

I will heal you. Cordesh retreated.

Nelay'en frowned, closing his eyes. You cannot heal guilt. He realized his symbiote was too busy to hear him. We can't...I won't. He ran down the hall he left minutes ago. "Jorda! We have been-" Suddenly he felt as if he was violently pushed back. Noooo!

Mian gave Jorda control as they turned. They did not turn in time to see Nelay'en's eyes glow. "Yes, Nelay'en?" They found it very strange that he just suddenly stopped.

For the first time among Tok'ra, Cordesh used the voice of his host. "-thinking...about the situation." He matched the tone Nelay'en had used, and slowly eased it down. "We have some ideas. Do you know where Jolinar is?"

Jorda frowned. "I believe she is on the surface with Martouf."

"Thank you."

Give me control, Nelay'en demanded.

No.

This is my body. By Tok'ra law, you must give it to me when I ask for control.

Cordesh glared. You lost that privilege

to be continued...